Where to help and get help

North County Times -

- Dr. Ken Druck, YMCA consultant and founder of the Jenna Druck
Foundation, will lead a town hall forum tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the
Palomar Family YMCA. The event aims to help families in the
aftermath of this week's fires. Druck will talk about grief
literacy, violence prevention, parenting and the healing
process.

The YMCA is at 1050 N. Broadway in Escondido. Call (760)
745-7490.

- The San Diego Foundation is collecting donations for itsAfter-the-Fires Fund to support organizations such as the American
Red Cross and Salvation Army and other first-respondersimmediately, as well as funding recovery and rebuilding efforts inthe days and weeks to come. Donations can be made online atwww.sdfoundation.org or by calling (619) 235-2300.

Valley View Casino will host a fundraiser Saturday and Sunday to
assist the fund. The casino, which was closed earlier due to fires,
is scheduled to reopen Saturday.

Guests at the casino that make a minimum $5 donation to the fund
will receive a free meal at the casino's buffet restaurant.

- San Diego County residents who have lost homes or income maybe eligible for emergency food stamps. They will be able to applyfor them at county Family Resource Centers and the four LocalAssistance Centers being set up for wildfire victims.

They'll be available on a one-time-only basis if they meet
specific eligibility requirements. In addition, families who
currently receive food stamps may be eligible for increased levels
if they were affected by the fires. Applications will be accepted
from Thursday through Nov. 3. Call (866) 262-9881.

- CaliforniaVolunteers has connected more than 8,000 people to
local volunteer centers. Anyone wishing to volunteer can call (800)
750-2858.

- A volunteer team of physicians and nurses from Scripps Health
is working under the auspices of the San Diego Fire Department at
Rancho Bernardo Community Park, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive.

The team will provide first-aid and basic medical services.
Patients with more serious medical issues will be referred to
nearby emergency rooms. Mental health professionals from the
Scripps Employee Assistance Program also will provide services to
address stress and grief issues.

The mobile medical unit and two treatment tents will be in
Rancho Bernardo for about one week, providing free medical services
between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

- Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable pets,
has initiated a call center service to assist displaced families
find temporary homes for their pets.

The service, which is available to pet families 24 hours a day,
seven days a week by calling (866) 654-4732 or by logging onto
www.petfinder.com, will allow evacuated families to address their
immediate needs and still ensure their pets are cared for.
Volunteers interested in fostering a pet affected by the California
wildfires can register to help at www.petfinder.com.

Anyone who wants to make a tax-deductible donation to help pet
families affected by the wildfires can go to
www.petfinder.com/foundation/donate.html.

- Rite Aid at 3955 Mission Ave., located near the New Song
Community Church which has been sheltering evacuees, is providing
bathing facilities and bath linens to fire victims. The local Rite
Aid stores are also donating food, beverages and personal items to
the shelter.

- The city of Poway can no longer accept donated items at the
Poway Community Center but is accepting monetary donations. Checks
should be made payable to the Poway Rotary Club and placed in an
envelope marked "Poway Fire Victims." Drop envelopes in the
overnight box in the parking lot of Poway City Hall, 13325 Civic
Center Drive; or mail to the Poway Rotary Club, P.O. Box 184,
Poway, CA 92074.

Donations are tax deductible and will go directly to Poway
residents who are rebuilding their lives after the devastating
fires.

- The San Diego Blood Bank has reopened its two North County
donor centers and redirected bloodmobiles to accept donations.

North County donor centers are at 1340 W. Valley Parkway in
Escondido, and at 161 Thunder Drive in Vista.

Bloodmobiles are scheduled this week to be at Qualcomm Stadiumfrom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.

Donors should check the blood bank's Web site,
www.SanDiegoBloodBank.org, for updates on locations where they can
donate. Blood donations also will be taken from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 in the parking lot of Tri-City Medical Center, 4002 Vista
Way, Oceanside. For more information, call (800) 4MY-SDBB.

- To help families with children who have emotional issues as a
result of the recent fires, Palomar Family Counseling Service Inc.
will open new groups beginning the week of Oct. 29. There is no fee
and they will be available for as long as needed. Groups will be
conducted at offices in Escondido, Poway and Fallbrook. For more
information and a schedule, call (760) 741-2660 in Escondido; (858)
748-3610 in Poway; and (760) 731-3235 in Fallbrook.

- PostalAnnex is offering six months of free private mailbox
rental to any family who lost a home in the wildfires. Come to 970
W. Valley Parkway, or another participating PostalAnnex.
Participating stores are listed at
www.postalannex.com/freemailbox.

- Joey's Smokin' BBQ restaurants in La Costa and Carmel Valley
will donate 50 percent of total sales on Monday and Tuesday to the
American Red Cross.

- Verizon customers who have evacuated their homes because of
the wildfires can add call forwarding to their account at no
charge. They will not be billed for the one-time setup fees or
monthly charges for call forwarding, although customers will be
responsible for any toll charges on forwarded calls and wireless
air time charges. Call Verizon at (800) 483-1000. Business
customers should call (800) 483-2000.

Verizon also has provided emergency telephone lines to American
Red Cross shelters to allow evacuees to keep in touch with friends
and family at no charge.

- SightSpeed PRO is being offered free to businesses in San
Diego who have an Internet connection and need to stay connected
during the current state of emergency county wide.

- EZ Lube, LLC, has announced that $10, or nearly 30 percent, of
every regular price, full-service oil change redeemed through the
month of October will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid
those affected by the wildfires.

- Coldwell Banker Residential offices in San Diego County are
open as drop-off points for items such as toiletry or clothing for
the American Red Cross or for delivery to local shelters. They also
are available to provide free office services such as telephone,
fax and copying services to anyone who has been displaced by the
fires and requires assistance in making insurance claims or
conducting other fire-related business.

The company also is asking anyone who has available rental
housing, including second homes, to contact a Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage office so their housing can be added to a
master list of rental housing being compiled and disseminated by
the company.

- The Fallbrook Moose Lodge No. 1992 will sponsor a drive tohelp people displaced in the Rice Canyon fire, according to LodgeGov. Lee Robertson who lost his home in the Valley Oaks mobile homepark fire. People who wish to donate items such as toiletries orclothing can drop them off at the lodge at 842 S. Main St. Those inneed may pick the items up there as well. For more information,call the lodge at (760) 728-8670.

- The Callaway Golf Foundation, the charitable arm of the
Carlsbad- based company, has announced a $100,000 donation to the
American Red Cross to provide relief for those affected by the
wildfires in the San Diego area.

- The Desert AIDS Project in Palm Springs is offering shelter
and medical services for people with HIV/AIDS who lost their homes.
For more information, call (760) 323-2118.

- Sports Clips stores will offer free haircuts and shampoos to
anyone staying in evacuation centers in the region. The stores are
in Escondido, Del Mar, Carlsbad and Rancho Bernardo.

- Keyways Vineyard & Winery in Temecula will donate all
profits from its second Femina Vita Festival on Oct. 27-28 to fire
victims.

The two-day arts and crafts festival celebrates the release of
the winery's newest wine for women, Sweet Surrender, 2006 Late
Harvest Sauvignon Blanc.

In addition to proceeds from the event, Keyways officials will
accept donations. The festival will feature folk singer Mary
Froemke, wine tasting and a Wine Country picnic lunch. Admission is
free. The winery is at 37338 DePortola Road. For information call
(951) 302-7888.

- The San Diego chapter of the United States Marine Corps
Reserve Toys for Tots Program is participating in the relief effort
for the victims of the Southern California wildfires. Despite
dealing with the potential loss of their own homes, the Marine
Reserves delivered a truckload of new unwrapped toys to the
evacuation center at Qualcomm Stadium on Wednesday.

- The Pechanga Tribe will be donating $100,000 to support fire
relief efforts. The resort and casino provided more than 200 rooms
each night on both Tuesday and Wednesday at no cost or discounted
rates to families displaced by the fires and to accommodate
firefighters. The resort also provided space for the American Red
Cross and sheltered and fed evacuees.

- Supermarket chains are doing their part for relief efforts.
The Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation has pledged $200,000 to the
American Red Cross. It also is establishing collection points in
stores throughout Southern California, where individuals can make
cash donations in canisters at checkstands. It has also provided
food and water to firefighters.

Also, Safeway Inc. and its Vons division are giving $500,000 to
support local emergency organizations Safeway and Vons have
provided 16 truckloads filled with $250,000 worth supplies to
emergency and evacuation centers. They are also accepting donations
in stores.

(Briefs below first ran Thursday, 10/25/07)

- The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council has opened a
center to help union members affected by the fires. Members should
contact their local union or the council at (619) 641-0074 or (619)
0095.

- Interfaith Community Services is providing emergency three-day
supplies of food, toiletries, blankets, as well as free breakfasts,
sack lunches, and laundry and shower facilities to those displaced
by the fires. Additional resources are also available for families
needing assistance beyond basic needs, including counseling and
referral services.

Food and cash donations are still needed. To donate, go to
Interfaith's emergency pantry at 550-B West Washington Ave.,
Escondido. Services are available at Interfaith Community Services'
two North County locations at 550-B W. Washington Ave., Escondido,
(760) 489-6380, or 2195 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, (760)
721-2117.

- The city of Escondido has established a hotline residents can
call to get the latest information on getting back into the
homes.

Escondido residents only can call (760) 839-6262.

The areas of southwest Escondido and Summercreek remain under a
mandatory evacuation that is expected to be in place until sometime
Thursday evening, city officials said.

- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated its
online registration site and call centers to take applications from
Californians who suffered damages and losses in connection with the
wildfires.

Eligible fire victims can apply for funds for temporary housing
and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses
and other programs to help individuals and business owners
recover.

Go to www.fema.gov and click on "Apply for Assistance" or call
(800) 621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is (800) 462-7585.

- Several state assistance centers are set to open starting
today and Friday.

The centers will serve as one-stop sources for disaster relief
services, including information on how to replace records lost in
the fires, file insurance claims and apply for assistance and
housing. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- The Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 W.
Bernardo Drive, will have extended hours Monday through Friday, and
will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

- Centers at Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Road, and
Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, will open when the
areas are reopened to residents.

- On Friday morning one will open at Rancho San Diego-Cuyamaca
College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon.

- Evacuees unable to return to their homes will get specially
discounted rooms at the Rancho Bernardo Radisson Suites Hotel,
hotel officials said Tuesday. The rooms will be available as soon
as evacuation orders are lifted in the area.

The hotel is at 11520 W. Bernardo Court. Reservations can be
made by calling (858) 451-6600.

- In exchange for donated items of pre-packaged food, bedding,
clothing and toys for evacuation shelters, admission to the San
Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park will offer free family art
activities for children out of school and their families from noon
to 4 p.m. through Friday. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday through Sunday.

- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has opened an evacuation site
for active duty members of the military, Department of Defense
civilians and their families. Arrive through the East Gate off of
Interstate 15.

For more information, call the Miramar Public Affairs Office at
(858) 577-6000 or (858) 864-3436.

- Reservations at state parks and campgrounds from Orange County
to the Mexico border have been canceled through Oct. 31 because the
parks are providing space to fire evacuees. Some others in Southern
California have also been affected. Check www.parks.ca.gov for
details.

- Eternal Rock Church in Escondido is in need of supplies,
including milk, bread, cereal, diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper,
blankets and pillows. The contact at the shelter, which is at 731
W. 4th Ave., is at (760) 505-3015.

- The National Latino Research Center announced Wednesday that
it will begin collecting donations for displaced farmworkers and
their families in North County. Farmworkers were among the most
vulnerable affected by the recent wildfires, said Konane Martinez,
a researcher with the Cal State San Marcos-based center. The
National Latino Research Center is part of the Farmworker Care
Coalition, which is coordinating the relief effort. Organizers said
they need clothes, food, and bedding. To make a donation, call
(760) 750-8567.

- Companies can call (800) 750-2858 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
to make in-kind donations. Operators from the Governor's Office of
Emergency Services will match donations to disaster efforts across
Southern California.

Individuals wishing to make a financial donation through the
American Red Cross can call (800-REDCROSS) or (800) 257-7575
(Spanish), or make a secure contribution online at
www.redcross.org.

- Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos is accepting evacuees, as well
as horses and other large animals. The park is at Olive and
Sycamore streets.

- North County Humane Society & SPCA has opened two
temporary animal shelters; one at El Camino High School, 400 Rancho
Del Oro, Oceanside, and a second at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard
Drive, Oceanside. People are encouraged to bring crates for
animals.

In addition, in-kind and monetary donations are needed. Take or
mail donations to 2905 San Luis Rey Road, Oceanside, 92058. The
office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- The shelter at Carlsbad High School, 3557 Monroe St., is open
for evacuees and has plenty of volunteers and supplies. Organizers
will need help once the shelter closes and are asking for people
with trucks to redistribute supplies and clean up in anticipation
of the school reopening. Call Kelli Moors at (760) 672-7820.

- The Poway Community Center is seeking monetary donations for
fire evacuees being housed at the center. It no longer needs
supplies. Make checks payable to the Poway Rotary. Donations are
tax deductible. Mark your donation "Poway Fire Victims" and deliver
to Poway City Hall, 13325 Civic Center Drive, drop it in the
overnight box located in the parking lot, or mail to Poway Rotary,
P.O. Box 184, Poway, CA 92074.

- Valley Center High School evacuation center, 31322 Cole Grade
Road. No more donations are needed at this time, volunteers said.
The Red Cross is now providing support, said Shawnee Burdick. Call
(760) 594-2795.

- New Song Community Church evacuation shelter in Oceanside is
asking for donations of bedding, sodas and non-sugary juices for
children. Donations can be taken to the church, 3985 Mission Ave.,
on Mission Avenue between Douglas and Rancho del Oro drives. Call
(760) 560-5000.

- San Diego Blood Bank bloodmobiles will be accepting donations
today -- from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and from
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.

Donors can also give blood at the following donation centers:
440 Upas St. in San Diego, 680 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon and
1727 Sweetwater Road in National City.

Donation centers at 1340 W. Valley Parkway in Escondido and 161
Thunder Drive in Vista have been reopened.

For information, call (800) 4MY-SDBB or visit
SanDiegoBloodBank.org.

- The Burn Institute is seeking donations for its special
assistance fund for burn survivors and their families that provides
temporary housing, transportation assistance and food vouchers,
according to spokeswoman Diane Sparacino. For information, call
(858) 541-2277 or download the donation form at
www.burninstitute.org.

- The Escondido Humane Society needs supplies, volunteers and
monetary donations to assist with the care of the shelter's 600
animals. Call (760) 888-2200 or visit
www.escondidohumanesociety.org. Donations to the Escondido Humane
Society's Fire Fund can be sent to the shelter at 3450 E. Valley
Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027; made online at
www.escondidohumanesociety.org; or made at any 1st Pacific Bank of
California location. The account is under "The Escondido Humane
Society, Fire Fund Account."

- Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego is serving as an evacuation
center. Volunteers and supplies are no longer needed; however, the
city is still seeking corporate and bulk donations for the broader
relief efforts throughout San Diego County. Call (619) 236-6175 to
reach a logistics team member.

- People looking for temporary housing for their pets or
livestock can call the San Diego Animal Support Foundation, which
is coordinating free housing options for the public. For
information on where to find your animal a home or to open up your
residence to others, call (619) 847-8755.

- Operation Homefront's Southern California chapter is offering
to help military families who have lost homes and possessions or
need a little extra support during evacuations. Operation Homefront
has also created a Fire Relief Fund. Call (866) 424-5210 to request
assistance or visit www.operationhomefront.com/socal.

- The Jewish community has established the Jewish CommunityDisaster Fund for those affected by the fires. Checks can be madepayable to the Jewish Community Foundation and sent to JewishCommunity Disaster Fund, c/o Jewish Community Foundation, 4950Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123. Credit card contributionsmay be processed online at www.jewishinsandiego.org. Forinformation, call Charlene Seidle (858) 279-2740; or
charlene@jcfsandiego.org
; orconsult the foundation's Web site at www.jcfsandiego.org.

- Free counseling by telephone is available for those affected
by the Southern California wildfires from United Health Group. The
master's-level specialists are available by calling toll-free (866)
342-6892, around the clock, for as long as necessary.

- Home Depot stores in Poway, 12175 Tech Center Drive, andTemecula, 32020 Highway 79 South, are allowing people who have beenevacuated to park in its store lots and bring horses, as well. Thecompany has also set up an assistance line for its employees whosustained losses in the fires -- (877) 694-3411.